Chapter XXV The Aftermath of Hero Killer: Stain
|| Hosu General Hospital ||
Aileen has no words to say as she observes four patients in front of them. Midoriya, Todoroki, Iida and Ophelia. The blonde girl with golden eyes pursed her lips and looks away from her silent anger purple eyes.
"Were you able to sleep, Midoriya?" Todoroki breaks the silence and trying to not to stare at Aileen's eyes.
"No, not really. I didn't think so."
"Me neither. "Todoroki nodded his head.
"Thinking about it now, we did something amazing, huh?" Midoriya asked out loud. It feels surreal for them to encounter Stain and defeat him.
"Amazing and stupidity too!" Aileen yelled out angrily and Midoriya squeaks in fear. "Do you have any idea how worried we were!? Ophie, you should know better to call out your Pokemon than waiting for Noctowl's assistance!" None of them couldn't blame her outrage towards them because they have no solid proof plan to defeat him but only luck.
"Eep! I'm sorry!" Ophelia wailed and Meowstic sighs heavily.
"Give them a break, Aileen." Gallade commented and rubbed Aileen's back. "At least they're in one piece."
"A price to pay for damaging their bodies." Aileen retorted back coldly. "I can understand Midoriya's injury because of his reckless nature. It's a miracle you lot are alive. Arceus's forbid if anything-"
"Maa, maa! Calm down, Lee-" Ophelia flinched by Aileen's glare and scooted away from her best friend's wrath. "Where is Crissie when you need her?" She whispered the last part and Todoroki simply shook his head.
"As your punishment, there's no way I'll heal you guys for your stupidity." Aileen glares at Iida coldly. "Anything would you like to add, Iida Tenya?" She asked coldly and Iida flinched by her cold tone.
"I-" Iida begins to speak and someone opens the door to reveal Gran Torino, Manual, Luminous, Riko, Crystal and Ruby Witch.
"Oh, are you wounded kids awake?" Gran Torino asked and steps back to see Aileen's glare. "Um... are we interrupting something?"
"No. Consider this as luck for the sudden interruption." Aileen commented and Ophelia sighs in relief.
"Crissie and Takamasa-san?" Ophelia blinks in surprise to see the black-haired girl with hazel eyes again.
"Gran Torino-san!" Midoriya is relieved to see his mentor.
"Manual-san." Iida is surprised to see the pro-hero. "Riko..." He's upset as Riko is unable to look at him in his eyes.
"I wonder what this is about?" Ophelia asked with a curious look on her face.
"How are you feeling, Ambrosius-san and Sho-kun?" Luminous asked worriedly and glanced at her nephew. "You guys had an uneventful night to remember."
"My sights are back and I should refrain from using my Quirk." Ophelia answered and laughs nervously. She couldn't probably say it out loud of her seer ability.
"I'll be fine, Tomoyo-oba." Todoroki assured the blonde girl with golden armor and she sighs in relief.
"Kid, I've got a lot of complaints for you." Gran Torino commented and often glancing in Ophelia's direction. He couldn't help but this girl reminds him of someone he dears.
Gran Torino approached Midoriya slowly. "I'm so-sorry!" He was cut off.
"But before that, you've got a visitor." Ruby Witch interrupted Midoriya with a sympathetic look on her face.
Ophelia gulps to see their unexpected visitor. He's around 6ft and his face is a dog. "So-so-somehow... that guest can beat Lucario's height." She muttered under her breath and Meowstic simply pinches her ribs.
"He's Hosu's chief of police, Tsuragamae Kenji." Luminous introduced the guest right in front of them.
Aileen simply gives Ophelia a glare not to insult him because of his looks. The blonde girl with golden eyes smiles sheepishly and nodded her head. "Oh, you can just stay seated, woof." Tsuragamae commented after seeing Midoriya's injured leg. "You must be the U.A students who brought down the hero killer, right?"
"Yes." Ophelia answered without any mischief look. She's starting to wonder why the chief came all this way.
"Regarding the hero killer we arrested... he had fairly serious injuries, with burns and broken bones, and is receiving treatment under strict guard, woof." Tsuragamae explained and the boys looked surprised. "Since you are U.A students, I'm sure you already know that when superpowers were still becoming the norm, the police attached high importance to leadership and standards and made sure Quirks were not used as weapons including Pokemon too." The girls and Pokemon flinched but remained silent. "And then, the profession of 'hero' emerged to fill that gap, woof. For an individual's use of force and power that can easily kill others- actions that normally would be appreciated to denounce- to be accepted officially is to thanks to early heroes who followed the ethics and rules of the profession, woof. Even up against the hero killer, for uncertified individuals to cause injury with their Quirks without specific instruction from their guardians or supervisors is a clear violation of the rules. The four of you with your Pokemon, and the pro heroes Endeavor, Manual, Luminous and Gran Torino must receive strict punishment."
"Wait a minute." Todoroki snapped angrily. "If Iida hadn't done anything, Native would've been killed. If Midoriya and Pikachu hadn't come, the two of them would've been killed. Ophelia and Noctowl hadn't come closer before Stain end us, we were already been dead by now." Ophelia stares at Todoroki with a surprised look on her face. "No one realized that the hero killer appeared. Are you saying we should've followed the rules and watched people get killed?" He asked angrily at the chief of police.
"Todoroki." Ophelia called his name worriedly and held his hand.
"Are you saying that as long as it turns out all right, it's okay to bend the rules?" Tsuragamae asked calmly.
Todoroki gape in surprise before glaring at him. "Isn't it a hero's job to save people!?"
Tsuragamae closes his eyes. "That is why you are not a full-fledged hero yet. Goodness, what are you being taught by U.A, Luminous and Endeavor, woof?"
"Chief!" Luminous exclaimed with a disbelief look on her face before glaring at him.
"You dog!"
"Enough!" Ophelia held Todoroki and used psionic to stop him from attacking the chief. "Violence isn't the answer to fix the problem, Shoto. We need to hear him out until the end."
"Ambrosius is right, Sho-kun." Luminous places her hands on his shoulder. "He didn't come here to insult you guys." Todoroki clicks his tongue and uses his free hand to hold her hand.
"That was the official opinion of the police." Tsuragame commented and wasn't surprised by Todoroki's outburst. "And the punishment and such would only happen if this were all made public, woof." He scratches his nose. "If this were made public, you would probably be applauded by the public, but you would not be able to escape punishment. On the other hand, this is a bit underhanded, but if it is not made public, the burn scars would support Endeavor being the hero who saved the day, and it would end there, woof."
"Hehe... wanna bet Endeavor is already pissed for taking this glory? Even if it means he isn't the one who defeated them?" Ruby Witch asked Gran Torino in a hushed tone and he simply smirked in response.
"Thankfully, there were very few witnesses." He completely ignored Ruby Witch's comments. "This violation could be crushed here, woof. But this would also mean no one would know about your good judgment or achievements." The boys and girls are looked shocked to hear his words. "Which do you prefer? Personally, I don't want to be the one to find fault with promising young ones because of one big mistake, woof." He gives them a thumbs up.
Manual sniffs. "Either way, we will need to take responsibility for being negligent in our supervisory duties. Luckily, La Russo, Ambrosius, Gallade and Sycamore sisters are off the hook." He commented.
"Off the hook?" Midoriya asked curiously.
Aileen smiles sheepishly at them and rubs her neck nervously. "Given our situation. We have our own license before you guys." The boys are looking at them with a surprised and shocked look.
"It gives an access to ensure the safety of Pokemon." Ophelia commented nonchalantly and shrugging her shoulders.
"Somehow... I find it hard to believe she's part of your rescue Pokemon team, Crystal." Riko commented and sweat dropping whereas Crystal smiles nervously.
"Believe me, among the four- or shall I say five of us, Ophie is a very talented person." She assured her.
Iida bowed deeply to Manual. "I am truly sorry." He apologizes for his reckless actions and getting Manual into trouble. "To you as well, Haru-san."
Manual chops Iida's head lightly. "All right. You'll cause trouble for others!"
"Manual is right, Tenya." Ruby Witch patted his head. "What's done is done. We can't reverse the time and change it. We can already tell your feelings and there's no need to do it again." She hugs Iida carefully to avoid his injury. "Depending on the situation." Whispering the last part on his ear before pulling away.
"I-I'm sorry." Midoriya stuttered nervously and lowered his head.
"Please take care of it." Todoroki bowed his head.
"Because of the unfairness of adults, you will not be able to receive the praise you would probably have gotten, but at least." Tsuragamae bowed his head at the future heroes-in-training. "As someone who also protects the peace, I can say thank you."
Todoroki scoffs and looks away. "Please start with that next time."
"Mah, mah, Todoroki." Ophelia laughs happily and waves it off. "At least we're not being punished."
"We will let you guys get some rests." Luminous commented and looked at Ophelia. "Ophelia, I'm expecting you and Gallade to write a report."
"Eh!? Why!?" Ophelia whined and kneels down in despair. "I hate writing!" She wailed and the others are sweat-dropping by her actions.
Someone knocks on the door. "May I come in, Tsuragamae-san? Artemis-san and Ninetales are here."
"Sure, let them in." Tsuragamae ordered and open the door to reveal Clara, Alolan Ninetales and Meerkat.
"Wah, it's been a long time I've seen Watchog!" Ophelia commented with an awestruck look on her face.
Watchog flinched and glares at her. "Don't even think about it, young lady!" He warned the blonde girl but she didn't heed his words and hugs him tight. "Let go of me!" He experienced this before from the day they met. Ophelia would hug him tight whenever they saw each other.
Watchog is an upright, Meerkat-like Pokemon with large cheeks and a single, pointed incisor sticking out of its mouth. It is mainly reddish-brown with beige cheeks and neck. There is yellow striping on its chest and tail. Its hands, feet, and tail tip are white. Its red eyes have small black pupils and a yellow stripe. Black markings accentuate the eyes at their outer ends. Its tail is almost exclusively depicted standing up straight, although it can also be kept in a relaxed position.
Aileen facepalm and Midoriya scan the Meerkat-like Pokemon using his Pokedex. "Watchog, the Lookout Pokemon. The markings on Watchog's body can glow to intimidate its foes. It has excellent vision, even in darkness." It explained.
Crystal grabs Ophelia's collar and pulls away before she could suffocate Watchog. The boys are amazed by her strength as if Ophelia weighs nothing. "Leave him alone, Ophie. You're causing a racket."
"She is." Clara commented and smiles nervously at the scene. "Pikachu, Noctowl, Akiko and Yukina are fully awake and you can see them if you're ready enough."
Ruby Witch smiles softly. "We leave you guys alone. Tenya, Aileen will examine your left hand later."
"Thank you, Haru-san." Iida thanked Ruby Witch.
The pro-heroes, Tsuragamae and Watchog are leaving them alone. Riko exhales softly and looks at the others. "I guess... I owe you guys some explanation given that I hid existence and only Ten-kun knows."
"That also includes Noctowl and Mewtwo." Crystal commented and crossed her arms. "All of us are surprised to see Mewtwo has someone to care."
"Who is Mewtwo?" Todoroki asked curiously.
The females and the Pokemon are sharing each other looks as Aileen faces them. "Mewtwo is the clone of one of the mythical Pokemon of Mew." She explained.
Riko frowned and gripped her right arm. "One of the dark organizations called Team Rocket somehow took Mew's DNA. They used it to create a clone. That's how Mewtwo is born."
"Do Pokemon have different titles?" Midoriya asked curiously. "You mention Mew is one of the mythical Pokemon."
"They're basically the rare Pokemon and thinking if they actually exist or just a myth." Crystal answered. "Legendary Pokemon are similar to mythical Pokemon. They're basically legend and powerful Pokemon. Each one of the legendary Pokemon are the rulers given their title and responsibility in different regions or shall I say countries. Mythical and legendary Pokemon are rare, powerful and rulers in every territory. However, there is only one ruler who's leading all Pokemon and respect him. Which is no other than, Arceus, he's like our God and alpha Pokemon. Both Pokemon and human."
"The one I have, Virizion, she's one of the legendary Pokemon and one of the members called the Sword of Justice in Unova region." Clara explained and the boys gape in surprise.
"H-ho-how!? Did you manage to have her on your team, Clara-san!?" Midoriya screeched in surprise. "You happen to have legendary and the same goes for Takamasa-san!"
"It's a long story." She clears her throat and looks at Riko. "Mind explaining to us how you manage to become one of us?"
"Um..." Riko glances at Iida before looking at the others and sighs heavily. "I was originally born in our world. My family and I used to live in the Sinnoh region."
Crystal narrowed her eyes. "You live where Arceus, the lake guardians, creation trio, Cresselia and Darkrai, from their home."
"Yeah." She nodded her head. "My ancestors were known as the gatekeepers of the entire universe. My bloodlines are the only ones who can open the portal and summon one of the mythical and legendary Pokemon to seek help. However, I'm also the chosen one to become the sky plate guardian."
"How did you end up here?" Aileen asked curiously.
"It happens again." Riko answered. "The incident is the same when Pokemon are transported here in this world. That's why my parents asked Arceus to give us permission to live here and find out the cause of this mess. That's why they trained me how to blend in with you guys to keep my power as a secret." She looks away.
Ophelia holds her chin "That also explains my prophecy revealed you're the fifth guardian." She said it out loud.
"What prophecy, Ophelia-kun?" Iida asked curiously since he and Riko don't know Ophelia's power completely.
"During the semi-final of U.A sports festival, Ophelia had a vision of you, Ingenium, Stain and Riko." Gallade answered. "Ophelia has the ability to see the past, present and future. However, when the vision is really powerful, she would go on trance and recite the prophecy all about."
"What kind of prophecy did you said, Ophelia?" Todoroki asked the blonde girl with golden eyes.
"It's a man who is hunting for every hero's blood. A young man is getting revenge for destroying a hero's future. Two Arceus guardians shall meet the fifth guardian. Three guardians are joining forces to defeat the hunter." Ophelia recites the prophecy again. "Apparently it changed because Nomu appeared out of nowhere to rampage the city."
"We're talking about Stain is killing heroes and Iida's revenge." Midoriya pointed out and Ophelia nodded her head. "You're the one who discovered Takamasa-san's existence and she left because you asked her to aid the heroes."
"If the Nomu didn't show up, one of us is going to be the second one to face Takamasa and join forces to defeat Stain." Clara voiced out her opinion and pursed her lips. "Hmm... it's unusual how your prophecy changes Ophelia despite it is always accurate."
"That's what I've been thinking as well." Meowstic levitates and sits comfortably on Ophelia's shoulder. "Unless we're dealing with someone who shares similar ability like her. To see the prophecy and alternate it." He leaves out the fact if Midoriya is involved, she couldn't see the future.
Riko frowned and crossed her arms. "Who knows of your secret ability, Ambrosius?" She asked curiously.
"You guys, them, Mewtwo, Professor Sycamore, Principal Nezu and Aizawa are the only ones who knew my secret." Ophelia answered and rubbed her head. "Now that you guys know exactly who we are. Please keep it a secret."
"If someone heard of her ability, her life is in danger." Aileen warned them. "That's why when she's in trance or into oracle mode, we're trying to hide her from the public's eye."
Ophelia exhales and claps her hands. "Yosh! Enough of this serious talk and let the boys have some rest ~!" She exclaimed happily and stretches her arms. "I promise to do some report before going with Luminous to check those Nomu."
"They need you to look at its head?" Crystal asked Ophelia and she nodded her head. "Update us will you?"
"Yeah." She salutes at them. "I'll see you guys later." Ophelia left with Meowstic.
Riko smiles softly at Iida. "I'll see you later, Ten-kun. Get some rest." She walks out.
Clara patted Aileen's shoulder and left with Alolan Ninetales without a word. Aileen approached Iida closely. "I need to examine your wounds to see how badly damaged it is."
Midoriya squeaks and grabs his phone to see Uraraka is calling him. "Um! I need to take this call!" He immediately grabs his crutches and left.
Gallade simply smirked at Midoriya's action. "He easily gets flustered, huh?" He commented under his breath.
Aileen raises her hand above Iida's hand and examines closely. She doesn't need a machine to examine someone's body. The blue-haired girl finished it and looked at Iida. "I'm not going to sugarcoat your condition, Iida. Your arm is already in long-term damage. Both arms are injured but the left one is more severe."
"How severe is it, Aileen-kun?" Iida asked and closes his eyes.
"It's been damage of your brachial plexus." Aileen explained and exhales softly. "You're going to be struggling to move your hand, fingers and experience some numbness."
"Is there a way to fix his left arm, Sycamore?" Todoroki asked curiously.
"Yes, it can be healed with nerve transplant surgery. However, he doesn't need to." Aileen looks at his arm. "I can heal his left arm but needs to be in baby steps. We don't want to attract anyone's attention of your miracle injured for one day."
"One day?" Midoriya came back. "What do you mean by one day?"
"My left arm is severe damage and it's long-term damage." Iida explained his injury. "It's hard to move my hand, fingers and experience numbness. I can be healed with nerve transplant surgery but Aileen-kun assured me there's no need to. She can heal my left hand without any surgery."
"Ruby Witch knew my ability and that's why they asked me to heal Ingenium's legs." Aileen commented and smiles softly. "Don't worry, I can heal them without any problem at all."
"Still..." Iida looks down. "When I found the hero killer, I stopped being able to think. The first thing I should've done was tell Manual. But I forgot myself in anger. " He remembered his battle with Stain before they showed up. "I hate him, but he spoke the truth. That's why, until I become a true hero, I think I want to leave my left hand as it is."
"Are you sure, Iida?" Aileen asked his decision. "You don't need to beat yourself up because of what happened. I did say I'll heal it slowly just like Ingenium. If you wanted to redeem yourself, apologize to Takamasa."
"Aileen-kun!" He exclaimed and Aileen glares at him.
"Your girlfriend blames herself for not being with you when you needed her the most." Aileen lectured him. "We're not close like Crissie but she told me of her condition. She was a wreck, Iida. Takamasa can hide her feelings but we can see right through her."
"Aileen is right." The blade Pokemon stands right next to Aileen. "Mewtwo even asked our advice on how to comfort her."
"I can't blame him for it." She smiles softly at her partner. It's all still new to Mewtwo to comfort people with different emotions.
"Iida-kun, I feel the same way." Midoriya commented and stares at his scarred hand. "Let's become stronger... together." They vowed together to become strong whereas Aileen smiles softly.
"I feel... kind of bad..." Todoroki muttered sadly and they're looking at him. "I feel like if I get involved... other people mess up their hands..."
"Wha- what in the Arceus's name are you talking about?" Gallade asked nervously.
"Is it a curse?" Todoroki asked while sweating and the others burst out laughing.
"Todoroki-kun, I didn't know you could make jokes!" Midoriya commented and wheezed.
"No, I'm not joking. I'm like 'The Hand Crusher' or something." It makes them laugh more.
"I-I-I bwahaha!" Aileen laughs and leans Gallade for support to hold her. "Ha-ha-hand cru-cru-crusher!"
None of them are expecting Todoroki could crack some jokes to lighten up their mood. However, Todoroki isn't the type of person to make jokes.
Luminous is pulling Ophelia's hair up while she's vomiting in the toilet. Ophelia went into every Nomu's mind and report everything to Tsukauchi before leaving with Luminous. The thoughts she saw how they experiment both humans with Quirks and Pokemon makes her sick. It gives her a terrible memory to remember.
"Ophelia..." Luminous muttered her name worriedly and rubbed Ophelia's back. "Let it all out."
"It-it-it's so terrible, Tomoyo-san..." Ophelia whimpered and wiped her mouth. She heaves and leaning on her. "Wha-wha-what they did to those people and Pokemon. It's way worse from Mewtwo's experience."
"Shh..." Luminous comforted her. "I'm sorry if I asked you to do this, Ophelia."
"Tomoyo! Ambrosius, I'm coming in!" They heard a familiar voice and barging in to reveal Hawks. "I brought you some water and mint, little phoenix."
Ophelia smiles weakly and takes a sip to gargle before spitting out in the sink. "Than-thank you, Hawks."
"No problem, you're very brave of what you did despite the horrors you saw." Hawks commented with a sympathy smile.
"I... as much as possible, we wanted to save both human Pokemon." Ophelia whispered. "That's why I'm trying my best to help as much as possible."
"Not also in the way to force you that makes you feel uncomfortable, Ophelia." Luminous reminded her and strokes Ophelia's hair. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm still shaken but I'll be fine." She assured them and exhales softly. "It's the worst thing I've ever seen in my entire life."
"I know you told everything to the police but you're clearly hiding something, Ophelia." Luminous stares at her golden eyes. "What is it?"
"Cyrus is involved in the experiment and then ther-there's this- um..." Ophelia licks her lips and looks nervous which is rare for them to see in that state. "A man he has fiery red hair with a mask of male Pyroar. Both of them are partners to capture Pokemon to fuse them together with humans."
Luminous gritted her teeth in anger while Hawks frowned and pursed his lips. Both pro-heroes couldn't believe they would create a monster to fuse their body together. What's more, Ophelia saw their experiment thus making her sick.
Hawks strokes her soft wavy hair and smiles in reassurance. "Don't worry, little phoenix... we're here to aid and help you save Pokemon!"
"Hawks is right, Ophelia." Luminous smiles softly. "We're going to figure everything out."
Luminous vowed she would get this problem a bottom of it. Watching Ophelia suffers from reading their minds, makes her feel hopeless and useless. The older blonde girl is planning to investigate Cyrus's unknown partner.
Haruka stares at Gran Torino and sighs heavily. "You think All For One is alive after that incident, Uncle?" She asked him nervously.
"I'm afraid so." Gran Torino answered with a grim look on his face. "I have a feeling they're going to gather more villains to defeat us."
"It's happening again." She closes her eyes and sighs heavily. Haruka didn't want to start another war between heroes and villains. Innocent people could get crossfire because of them. "Due to Stain's performance, the villains are slowly gathering around. To them... Stain gives them a motivation to rise up behind the shadows."
"What will you do now, Haru?" He asked her plan curiously.
She closes her eyes and leans on the window. "To prepare ourselves when the time comes for them to strike us."
"I see..." Gran Torino hums. "He's still insisting to find her, Haruka. If you know where she is, Toshinori has the right-"
"No, he doesn't have the right to know her location." She answered coldly and opened her aquamarine eyes. "I don't trust him to protect her. He's focusing too much on that boy and he never thinks about them."
"That's what you're wrong, Haru." Gran Torino denied the fact of All Might neglecting his own family. "Toshinori never once stop thinking about them. He made a hard decision to split up if it means to keep them safe."
"Yeah?" She asked darkly. "Where is he when she needed him most? I'm sorry, uncle. I don't forgive someone easily." Haruka walks away and leaving Gran Torino behind.
Gran Torino sighs heavily and hoping Haruka would forgive All Might someday.